As a thief, I stick to the shadows as much as possible. But when the head of the Sinclair Family picks me to compete in the Tournament of Blades, there’s no escaping the spotlight—or the danger.

Even though he’s my competition, Devon Sinclair thinks I have the best shot at winning what’s supposed to be a friendly contest. But when the competitors start having mysterious “accidents,” it looks like someone will do anything to win—no matter who they hurt.

As if I didn’t have enough to worry about, mobster Victor Draconi is plotting against Devon and the rest of my friends, and someone’s going around Cloudburst Falls murdering monsters. One thing’s for sure. Sometimes, humans can be more monstrous than anything else…

Review

Dark Heart of Magic is the second book in the Black Blade trilogy, and it starts out with mystery, monsters, and death. It was so good to be back with Lila, Devon, and Felix. Even Oscar, Lila’s hot-tempered pixie nanny. Enemies, new and old, are plotting and killing and it’s up to Lila to find out the who’s and put a stop to it. Besides, she’s a Sinclair now, and she can’t let the ones she consider family and friends to get hurt. Someone is going around killing monsters, and sabotaging the annual Tournament of Blades. It made for an interesting read.

Lila is now bodyguard to Devon Sinclair. She also has a hard time fighting her feelings for him. She keeps telling herself that they are better off as friends, but that attraction is hard to keep at bay. This year, the Sinclair family has chosen Lila, among a few others, to compete in the tournament. Along with this comes jealousy from a fellow family member, and also the taunts from Blake Draconi. I loved all the moments spent with other characters; whether they are friend or foe. The little moments of tension whenever Felix was in the presence of his forbidden lady, were hilarious. As much as Felix flirts, his demeanor completely changes when she’s in the picture. Romeo and Juliet anyone? We can’t forget the life Lila had before becoming wrapped up in mob family rivalries. She was a thief, and darn good at her job. Her knack for finding out things is just part of her scheme.

I enjoyed the mystery of this book, and the tournament. I really just wish that Lila would stop dragging out the inevitable when it comes to Devon. I really like him, and he’s so strong and very in tune with her. I just hate the dragging of this romance. If these two won’t end up with each other, then I see no need to even have them pining like this. What’s the point? Other than that, I liked this book very much. Lila is so smart and deadly, to be such a young lady. This book picks up right after book one ended, so it’s not like it’s months apart; but Lila has grown a lot in some aspects, but she also is still this young girl who doesn’t know what to do about her feelings. Devon has definitely changed since the last book. I guess with the immediate threat to his life gone, he’s able to be himself and open up more. He’s hot. Felix is hot. I swear there’s not a single person in this world, male or female, that’s not beautiful. Definitely unrealistic – but this is fiction, so……. If you love urban fantasy, and want something lighter than the adult fiction you’re used to, this trilogy is a great one to read. I think young adults would enjoy this one as well. Recommended!

I started another series by this author because of ‘hype’ and wasn’t overly impressed. It wasn’t terrible thought so I’ve been wanting to try something else out from her. This might be the series to try. I hope the Lila/Devon pairing finally happens and makes it worth the wait when they do finally get together!

This tournament theme seems so common these days! Usually I’m all about them, but I’ve read so many for the year so far (not intentionally). o_o I am glad you enjoyed this book, Lekeisha! I hope you love the next one.

I need to start this series. I was reading the adult Elemental Assassin series by Estep, but it was getting a little repetitive, so I gave it a break. I’d like to see how this YA series is different. I’ve heard good things about it. Thanks for sharing!

oh this sounds so wonderful!!! I have been wanting to pick this author up, and especially wanting to expand my UF, since I have only read a few series. Great review, you really have me interested in this series.

Wait…this is only a trilogy? I will be reading book three soon and that makes me a bit sad. I agree with everything that you said about this book. I am so ready to the romance to be decided and stop dragging things out. Great review, Lekeisha!

I actually hadn’t heard of this series before I read a review for the final book of the series today, Lila sounds like a fantastic character Lekeisha! I too would be frustrated with the back and forth between Lila and Devon, but despite this I would still be living to give this one a try! Wonderful review! 🙂

I’ve had my eye on this series since book one released. The worldbuilding sounds great and the tournament in this one looks good, too. Dinking around with the romance can get annoying- don’t blame you there.

Some more urban fantasy that sounds so good! I actually have the first book in this series already on my TBR. I like the sound of the tournament and the action all being done incredibly well including the world. It’s a shame about the dragging of the inevitable being kind of annoying at this point though.

I really enjoyed this one as well. It was a lot of fun though I did think the mystery was very predictable. I agree about the Lila and Devon romance. It does look like by the end of this one they are a couple. The dragging made very little sense to me given how great a guy Devon was!
Glad you liked this one, Lekeisha! 🙂

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I love to read, drink coffee, eat pickles and I'm determined to watch every movie that was made before 1981. I'm sort of an introvert, and I stay to myself. People in this world are cruel, so I'll just let them have it. I prefer fictional worlds and it's inhabitants!! Catch me watching Game of Thrones!

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